Pocklington RUFC sink Pontefract to pull further clear at top of table

When the sides last met back in January 2023 Pontefract's pack powered them to victory by 32 points.

This time the roles were reversed as Pocklington's forwards marched them to a ninth successive win this season by the same margin.

Pock were straight onto the offensive, battering at the visiting line until prop Charlie Crotty plunged over for Christian Pollock to convert.

Pontefract opened their account with a penalty, before Pollock replied in kind to make it 10-3.

Pocklington then surged clear, Matty Downes bursting up the middle with Dan Elliott supporting off his wing to take the offload then weave 35 yards to the posts, Pollock converting.

And Pock finished the half as they started it, piling on the pressure and Downes completing a scrum pushover, Pollock converting for 24-3 at the break.

With skipper Andy Argo-Bennett to the fore they resumed the attack on the restart to keep the scoreboard busy, Will Husband finishing a pack rumble and Harry Matthews slicing through in midfield, both converted by Pollock to pull 38-3 clear.

Pocklington looked out of sight, but Ponte had some dangerous backs and scored twice in five minutes to reduce the arrears.

Pock's riposte brought a second catch and drive try for Husband, before Flynn Sangwin crossed wide left from Matthew's kick pass, Pollock's immaculate boot adding both extras for eight kicks from eight to take Pock past the half-century.

Pontefract had the consolation of the final score, but Pock were already home and hosed.

Also on Saturday Pocklington Panthers edged a 15-14 win in a feisty game at Pontefract; in contrast the Pilgrims romped to a 60-0 success at Grimsby.

And on Sunday Pocklington Women battled to a 15-5 home victory over Selby in the rain to go clear at the top of their league.

This Saturday Pocklington have a testing trip to Bradford Salem, while back at Percy Road the Panthers entertain Beverley, both 2.15 kick-offs.